Definition:
Trichotillomania is a mental illness that is categorized under Obsessive Compulsive Behaviour. People with this illness pull their hair out subconsciously when stressed, seeking the sensation of the hair being pulled out as a source of comfort.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of this illness appear gradually, starting from a small bald spot to large red patches of bald, irritated skin on the scalp. Some people with this illness enjoy looking at their strands of hair when they pull their hair out, especially if it’s thicker or kinkier than usual. Others love the feeling of plucking out hairs, while some enjoy biting the sebaceous gland that is at the end of a strand of hair. There is no specific cause for this illness, except for the fact that it intensifies when the person is under pressure or stress.
Ways to cure Trichotillomania:
However, there are many ways to overcome this illness, but it would not be easy.
First of all, if you have bald patches from years of plucking hair out, don’t be self conscious about how you look. Of course, this is easier said than done. Some things you might want to do to build up your confidence is perhaps tell yourself that you are not the only one suffering from this illness. Go online and search for people who have the same condition as you, because the ones suffering from the same illness will be the ones who understand you the most.
Secondly, don’t worry! With the advancement of technology, there are many different ways to alleviate the growth of your hair. Also, who says that one has to look nice with long silky locks? You can rock a bald headed style as well so long as you have the confidence to!
Thirdly, this is to people who know of someone with the illness. Don’t ask them to “stop plucking their hair”, because they can’t. Instead, give them signals when they are reaching for their hair again to increase their awareness of what they are doing. By doing so, it allows them to realise their actions and helps them build up self control.
Overall, this illness is in no way undefeatable so long as you surround yourself with people who love you, who support you, and most importantly, build up your confidence slowly but surely. You can surely overcome this illness!
Sources:
Researcher: Charlotte T
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